357 B&D from 357 Mag barrel......

[alan in ga]

I plan to shoot my 10" 357 Mag barrel this deer season. I just today mounted a used 4X Leupold in Warne steel low rings on Weaver aluminum base.
Then, riding down the highway today,,I thought about the 357 B&D reamer my friend has. Hmmmmm....keep it stock,,,or make metal filings? I also have access to the Maximum reamer. Decisions,,decisions. Guess I'll bench rest it stock 357 mag first to see if it will group.
alan in ga...back in the Contender field again.

[RonF]

In a Contender, the Max and the B&D are ballistic twins.  I would probably choose the B&D for two reasons:  I like something different, and .44 Mag brass is going to be around a long time; I'm not so sure about the Max brass.  If you decide to do it, cut yourself a fairly long throat so you can use heavy bullets without seating them too deeply.

Just my half-nickel.

RonF

[wheelgun]

I have the 357-44 and 357 max both 10".This is just my opinion but I would go with the 357 max over the B&D.The max is alot more accurate,shoots 180-200 gr bullets great.I have not got the B&D to shoot any bullet over 158-160 grain and groups are nothing to brag about.

[Nate C]

I owned a b&d (bullberry) and have shot a few max's.   The only downside to the max is brass availability, as you noted above.

The upside to the Max is no forming/fireforming, and you can use the dies you already have.   B&D dies are gonna run ya ~$100 unless you find some used.

Re: accuracy, my experience is that for 158's they are about the same but with 180's 200's or 225's the max might have an edge.

Hope this helps.

Nate

[Graycg]

Come on guys, buy 500 rounds of brass from Midway and you'll be covered until you get bored with the Max barrel.  I've had both and find the Max better mannered, easier to shoot heavier bullets and when chambered correctly, more accurate.  I like the B&D, but would strongly recommend the Max over the B&D for most uses.

regards,
 Graycg